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Oh Betsy! So, so beautiful! And I have been there with my daughters but I never thought to leave poems in their shoes! How I wish I had!This is so true and so gorgeous and it has made me remember and given me insight and reminded me to breathe and once again, shown me how very much I adore you and your writing. Thank you. Love...Mary

I have been there with our daughter, too, and wish I had thought to use poetry or writing of some kind by other people who have struggled, in order to bridge the gap a bit. It seems that the intelligent, questioning, sensitive children often have the worst time reconciling the world as it is and the world as they wish it could be. I'm glad your girl came through so well. This is a beautiful piece. So glad you've had it published, to reach others.

Read the essay in the NYTimes this morning - you must be an amazing parent - to have been able to step back and offer your daughter hope and encouragement without being part of the problem...as it were. Thank you.

I am here from Ms Moon's blog. I read your blog and have never commented but think you are brilliant. I read your NYT article today and I'll add that you are a brilliant and compassionate mother as well.

Your essay is - - well - the best argument for the practical use of poetry that might explain to doubters how powerful it can be.And - it made me remember some very tough and delicate times with my stepsons ( when I FELT like a single mother) wondering where we were going, The Tuesday Night Dinner and poems in your shoes, brilliant impulses... Thanks.

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